Whether you’re writing your very first picture book or polishing your tenth, The Picture Book Doctor™ offers clear, practical guidance grounded in real industry experience.
You won’t get hype or false promises here—just honest, professional insight that helps you strengthen your craft and understand how publishing decisions truly get made.
Some stories are ready for editors. Others need another round of shaping. My goal is to help you see your work through professional eyes and grow as a writer in the process.
For Writers Who Want Real Feedback, Not Fluff
What You’ll Receive
Every critique includes both a detailed Critique Letter and Inline Comments within your Word document.
You’ll also get:
• Mentor text and resource suggestions to guide your next revision
• Market awareness notes that show how your idea fits into today’s landscape
• A Half-price revision critique if you’d like another round after revising
Delivered within 3–5 business days of receiving payment and your manuscript (as a .docx file).
transparent Pricing
Fiction Picture Book (up to 800 words) – $200
Nonfiction Picture Book (up to 1,000 words) – $250
+$10 per 100 extra words (or portion thereof)
You’ll receive both the comprehensive critique letter and the inline comments—every time.
Most writers tell me a single critique saves them months of second-guessing and helps every manuscript they write after this one.
how to begin
Before we get started, please answer a few quick questions so I can confirm which service fits your project best.
- What is your intended outcome? (self-publish, indie press, traditional/Big 5, etc.)
- What’s your manuscript title and one-sentence logline?
- What type of book is it? (fiction, nonfiction, biography, concept, etc.)
- Approximate word count?
- Are you currently in a picture-book critique group?
- Has this manuscript received professional feedback before? (If yes, what were the main takeaways or suggestions you found most useful?)
- Are you an active SCBWI member?
- What’s your favorite thing about this manuscript?
- What’s your number-one worry about it?
- How did you hear about me and my critique services?
Once I receive your responses, I’ll confirm the correct critique type and fee, send a secure PayPal or Stripe link, and provide instructions for emailing your manuscript (.docx file).
Turnaround is typically 3–5 business days after payment and manuscript receipt.
Each critique includes both a detailed critique letter and inline comments directly in your manuscript.
Why Work with The Picture Book Doctor™?
• Ph.D. in poetry and M.A. in fiction
• 25+ years teaching creative writing at the college level
• Author, coauthor, or ghostwriter of more than 100 published books
• Represented by Curtis Brown, Ltd., a top kidlit agency
• Editorial Director at Bushel & Peck Books
• Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest magazine
• Creator of Only Picture Books, a leading picture-book blog
I’ve seen every side of this business—teacher, author, editor, and ghostwriter—and that perspective informs every critique I give.
What writers Say:
“If other editors are coffee, Ryan is espresso.”
—Loredana Cunti, author of Karate Kakapo (Kids Can Press)
“Ryan’s notes are clear, organized, and thorough. You get both big-picture takeaways and the detailed suggestions that make your story stronger.”
—Hilary Margitich, author of Rosh Hashanah (Abdo Group)
“Thanks so much again for the prompt, insightful, and supremely helpful feedback. This is exactly what I’d been looking for.”
—Steve Bilakovics
Who IS the Picture Book Doctor™?
I’m Dr. Ryan G. Van Cleave, the author of more than 100 books of my own, though I’ve ghostwritten, edited, coached, and consulted on hundreds more for clients across publishing and media. I’ve taught creative writing at the college level for more than twenty years, bringing that same mix of craft and clarity to the writers I work with today.
I run the picture-book blog, Only Picture Books and serve as Editorial Director at Bushel & Peck Books and Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest magazine.
My focus with individual writers is simple: clarity, growth, and helping you build the skills and insight to create stronger stories—no hype, no shortcuts, just honest guidance.
Ready to get started
Ready for honest, industry-savvy feedback on your picture book? You bring the manuscript, and I’ll bring the clarity, with professional-level notes delivered within 3 to 5 business days.